Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Indian Railways & IRCTC Tourism | Hill Railways

The mighty Himalayas are an apt crown for India. The glory of the Himalayan range is unmatched and can best be appreciated by seeing them with one’s own eyes. The Indian Railways and IRCTC have made awe-inspiring contribution by bringing the mountain range closer to us through engineering marvels and dedicated efforts put up by the masters of the craft. The Indian Railways has moved a step forward with working out affordable rates for chartered trips for the tourist-group on the mountain Railways.

Kalka – Shimla Railway (KSR)

Offers tourists a breathtaking view of the
Himalayan Peaks, snow capped mountains, inviting trails, the heady fragrance of
flowers and a wonderful opportunity to take in all these leisurely, as the toy train
from Kalka winds its way up slowly and steadily to Shimla.

The train takes 5 hours for the 96 km.
Journey from Kalka to Shimla. The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is
entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges.

The dazzling view and the stops at the
picturesque stations along the way-all add up to an exhilarating experience.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The most famous of the hill trains, links the town of New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The breathtaking landscape of Darjeeling (2127 m above the sea level) must be seen to be believed – the Himalayas in all their glory, orchids swaying in the gentle breeze, lush green tea estates.

The toy train runs on the world’s narrowest (2ft) of the regular narrow gauge lines. Conferred with the status of World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is really a tourist’s delight.

DHR also offers special Joy Rides between Darjeeling and Ghum, extra pair of train to / from New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and Jungle (Heritage) Safai during the tourist season. You can call at +913542252555 to know about special services or ask by email to director@dhr.in or director.dhr@gmail.com

Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR)

Nestling among the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, at 2,600 m above sea level, is the “Queen of Indian Hill Stations”- Udhagamandalam (Ooty).

The train starts from the town of Mettupalaiyam and thus begins a journey full of twist and turns, as this Metre Gauge train ascends 46 Km on its way to the hill resort of Ooty in four and half hours.

The toy train treks across the plains, the plantations and the forest clad hills.

The 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges on the way, along with breathtaking view, making it a ‘not-to-be-missed’ journey.

The only Rack-n-Pinion section on the Indian Railways.

Kangra Valley Railway (KVR)

The Pathankot - Joginder Nagar section is the rail approach to the beautiful Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

The Kangra Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of the lower Himalayas. The Valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant.

It provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharmasala is full of Buddhist air where ancient Hindu Temples like Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi dot the country side.

Matheran Light Railway (MLR)

This line connects Neral to Matheran. Matheran is a tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai. No blaring car horns. No trucks rumbling down the roads. No buses... Matheran is a quiet and peaceful hill resort which is out of bounds to vehicular traffi c all through the year. The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat. For further details, please visit IRCTC wesite: www.irctctourism.com